[The Gateroom] The character of Major Lorne in “Stargate: Atlantis” has made a huge impact on the fans. How did you get the role?

[Kavan Smith] Well... I had done a little role on SG1 (Enemy mine) a few years earlier and I suppose when they decided to add a new character when they saw the auditions they liked mine and thought, “Hey why don’t we just bring back his old character and see what happens.” And that’s what happened.

[TG] We know very little about Major Lorne. Care to share any little titbits?

[KS] Much better sense of humor that he’s allowed to show (as of yet) Quite ambitious in his career. Loyal to his friends and family. Dedicated to his mission. Also he paints and plays violin.

[TG] At present, Major Lorne is missing an important piece of his identity - his first name! Are you aware of an online campaign to name the character Spansky? There are online debates and petitions regarding this. What do you think of this, and do you know Lorne’s first name?

[KS] I’ve recently been told that his name has been decided upon and it will be “Evan” Not sure how they plan to spell it.

[TG] Where can you see Major Lorne heading in the future?

[KS] Never really sure. The options are so vast. That’s the thing with sci-fi, the possibilities are limitless. I hope they allow his sense of humor to develop a bit more. I obviously I hope they include him more in major plot ideas. But in all honesty I have no idea.

[TG] With Major Lorne's return to Stargate, both you and he have developed quite a fan following (especially on Gateworld.net and LiveJournal.com). Is that surprising? Did you ever think that you'd develop a major fanbase?

[KS] I really had no idea that this following even existed until I was talked into attending Dragon Con ’06. That was an eye opener. But I wish that everyone had people telling him or her they loved what he or she did. It feels wonderful. Makes me smile every time.

[TG] Do you attend conventions, and if so, where are you planned to appear in the foreseeable future? Any chance of visiting the UK or Australia?

[KS] Like I just said I did just do Atlanta and have plans to go to Manchester in November and I think Australia/New Zealand next year.

[TG] You have had guest spots on various Sci-Fi shows such as SG-1, Atlantis, The 4400 and Battlestar Galactica. Out of all the shows you appeared on, which would you like to receive a permanent role on and why?

[KS] In my line of work anytime somebody offers you a permanent role you take it (obviously it’s not that simple, but close) but I have had so much fun on all of him or her, I honestly couldn’t pick one. Each character is so individually unique.

[TG] Do you prefer to work on Sci-Fi projects, or are there other genres you like doing better?

[KS] My favorite has always been comedy. I come from the theatre and love to laugh and make others laugh. But again as an actor I take enormous pleasure in making people feel… period. Any genre offers that possibility.

[TG] Is there a reason that you choose to appear in a lot of sci-fi shows?

[KS] They chose me. I live primarily in Vancouver and there’s a lot of sci fi work here so it was a natural occurrence.

[TG] Have you done any work or plan to do work on any of the crop of shows that are being shot in or around Vancouver (eg. Eureka, Psych, Kyle XY, Blade, Saved, Supernatural)?

[KS] I’ve recently done a guest star on Blade and have had some dealings with Eureka and Saved but as of yet nothing has worked out.

[TG] Your fans always look forward to seeing you in something new. What is there on the horizon that we need to keep an eye out for?

[KS] I am currently finishing up the season on SGA and have also recently narrated a very serious and important documentary called “Uganda Rising” very heavy, very serious, and very fulfilling. Would have done it for free. So far up until now it’s probably the most important thing I’ve done in my career.

[TG] Your fans are always wanting to know more about your background. Where were you brought up, and is there anything in your upbringing that influenced you to become an actor?

[KS] I was bred to take over my fathers business, financial planning, but going into my 2^nd year of university studies aimed at a law degree a realization came over me that if I were to continue down that path I would probably slit my wrists by the age of 30. So I took some time, thought about what it was that made me happiest and realized it was making people laugh… and then that eventually with time and schooling became a love of entertaining. I was primarily brought up in Calgary Canada at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Much of my family is still there. But I’m not much of one for going back there. I hate stepping backwards. So they have to come see me. Kidding.

[TG] Is acting your full time job? Do you get enough work for it to be? If not, what else do you do to make a living?

[KS] I have made my living solely as an actor for the last 8 years. Before that I bartended for 3 and before that made my living as an actor for the prior 4 years. So minus the brief stint getting annoyed with drunks it’s been my full time and only job for over a decade. Some years are obviously better than others. But even when things are shit, I still wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s what I love and it’s what I do. I feel very lucky. Not many people in this twisted and crazy world get to say that they love what they do and can make a decent living at it.

[TG] Another question that seems to bemuse your fans is what, exactly, does the middle initial “J” stand for, please?

[KS] My father has always steadfastly insisted it stands for “Jackass” but according to my mother it stands for “Joel” my grandfather’s name. I like to think my mother is right on this one.

[TG] In one of your interviews, it kind of reads as though you are a pilot. Is this true, and if so, what do you like to fly?

[KS] I like anything that moves fast, car, motorcycle, plane, Helicopter… you name it I’ll take it for a spin.

[TG] What is the most embarrassing CD you will admit to owning?

[KS] Whale noises.

[TG] Chocolate or cheese?

[KS] Is there such a thing as chocolate covered cheese? No, I didn’t think so… Tough one… chocolate.

[TG] If you, Kavan Smith, had the chance to go through the gate to Atlantis, would you go?

[KS] I’ve already gone and strongly recommend it.

[TG] And what would your one luxury item be?

[KS] My wife.

[TG] Thank you very much for your time, Kavan!